Fire Brigades Union members also walkout next Thursday as part of a huge strike by more than a million public workers.

But the eight days - from July 14-21 - form an escalation in the action. The union says that the current proposals on pensions and later retirement age are “unacceptable, unworkable and unrealistic”.

Matt Wrack, FBU general secretary, said: “The government must realise that firefighters cannot accept proposals that would have such devastating consequences for their futures, their families’ futures - and the future of the fire and rescue service itself.

“We have tried every route available to us to make the government see sense over their attacks.

“Three years of negotiations have come to nothing because the government is simply unwilling to compromise or even listen to reason despite a huge amount of evidence showing their planned scheme is unworkable.”

Fire Minister Brandon Lewis previously said: “The government believes a solution can be reached, but not under the shadow of industrial action, which only serves to damage firefighters’ good standing with the public.

“The deal on the table is fair and gives firefighters one of the most generous pensions in the public sector.”

He added: “Public safety will remain the primary focus. All fire and rescue authorities have robust and well tested plans in place that include back up support if needed.”

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